My Mute Bride

Not long after Victor left, Rachel heard the doorbell ring.

Originally thinking he left something behind, she opened the door, only to see a courier.

“Ms. Rachel Hudson?”

Upon hearing that, Rachel nodded.

“There are two intracity express parcels for you. Please sign here.”

Startled, she signed for the parcels, thereafter receiving a cake and a paper bag.

Right now on the table, there was still half an uneaten cake that Victor had rushed out to buy at noon upon finding out it was her birthday.

So, who bought the cake that the courier delivered?

Setting it aside on the table for now, she pulled a rectangular suede box out of the paper bag.

With a click, she opened it and discovered a silver-colored necklace in the box that glimmered underneath the light

The pendant was in the simple design of a small sun with a hollow center.

Putting down the box, she found a card on top of the cake box that simply read ‘Happy Birthday’ without any signature.

Dumbfounded, she stared at the items until her phone started vibrating.

It was a text message from Julian reading, ‘Did you receive what I sent?’

Immediately, she understood. ‘I did. I was wondering who would remember my birthday.’

‘Don’t forget that you’re a patient of mine. It’s not strange that I would remember your birthday.’

‘Thank you.

‘You’re welcome. Are you free? I just finished work; come down for a walk with me!

Looking at the time, she agreed, ‘Okay.’

At this hour after dinner, the community was lively. All of the houses were lit up, and the sound of children laughing could be heard around the neighborhood as they ran around playing.

Rachel set the cake box down on a stone table and opened it. Before she could even offer some to anyone, a group of children was

cake is

her hand, she lifted a knife and a paper plate, preparing to cut into the

her and pulled some candles out of a box to the side. “Today is Miss Rachel’s birthday.

be a

the ‘Happy

her eyes and make

Rachel must blow out

her head to indicate to Julian that there was no

he still lit the candles and had the children sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in unison. The delicate chorus of young voices would have a healing effect on any

“Make a wish.”

There’s no need.

on your birthday, Miss Rachel. My mommy says you have to say it in your heart and not out loud, or the wish won’t come true,” a very young voice

look, she found a little girl who wasn’t even at table

children, clasped her hands and made a wish. After that, she blew out the candles and

thank you!” their parents instructed, standing

like that, the strangers in the community suddenly seemed closer and the whole scene was heartwarming

of the streetlamp, Rachel finally smiled for the first time in days. Thank you,

to be so courteous with me.” Walking her back to her apartment building, Julian continued, “The most important thing right now is

about me. I never wanted it, anyway, so I might as well pretend it never existed for now. At that point, Rachel’s expression was dull and

the topic and told her, “Go on upstairs, then. It’s been getting colder lately, so make sure to keep

and headed toward

her apartment and about to close the

door was propped open by

Justin glowering at her, his darkened face made all

he out on

he slid sideways into the house

you’ve been

took two steps back. Why are you

pulled off his

like unmelting icebergs as he sneered, “I suppose you wouldn’t want me to ruin your blissful

her, forcing her

idea what she did

pulled, she staggered after him and was dragged all the way to